American Express Membership Rewards is one of my favorite transferrable points programs because of its diverse set of 18 airline partners and 3 hotel partners. You can unlock amazing travel experiences in business or first class with many of Amex’s transfer partners.
This guide will cover everything you need to know about American Express’ transfer partners including a ranking of all the partners and their sweet spots, how long transfers take, which cards earn Amex points, and how to get even more value from transfer bonuses.
American Express Transfer Partners
Below are all of the American Express Membership Rewards’ transfer partners and how long each transfer typically takes.
All transfers are at a 1 to 1 ratio, except for three partners: AeroMexico (1 to 1.6), JetBlue (250 to 200), and Hilton (1 to 2).
| Points Program | Transfer Time |
|---|---|
Aer Lingus
|
Instant |
AeroMexico
|
24 to 48 Hours |
Air Canada Aeroplan
|
Instant |
Air France/KLM Flying Blue
|
Instant |
ANA
|
48 to 72 Hours |
Avianca LifeMiles
|
Instant |
British Airways
|
Instant |
Cathay Pacific Asia Miles
|
Instant |
Delta SkyMiles
|
Instant |
Emirates
|
Instant |
Etihad
|
Instant |
Hawaiian Airlines
|
Instant |
Iberia
|
24 to 48 Hours |
JetBlue
|
Instant |
Qantas
|
Instant |
Qatar Airways
|
Instant |
Singapore KrisFlyer
|
12 to 48 Hours |
Virgin Atlantic
|
Instant |
| Hotel Programs | |
Choice
|
Instant |
Hilton Honors
|
Instant |
Marriott Bonvoy
|
Instant |
Excise Taxes
American Express charges an “excise tax offset fee” when transferring points to U.S. based airlines including Delta, JetBlue, and Hawaiian. The tax is 0.06 cents for every point you transfer, up to a total fee of $99. For example, if you transferred 50,000 points to Delta, you would required to pay a $30 fee.
Transfer Bonuses
A great way to increase your rewards is to take advantage of American Express’ fairly regular transfer bonuses, which are usually between 20% to 50%. I recommend you bookmark our article on the Current Credit Card Transfer Bonuses to stay up to date on all the best options.
How to Transfer Amex Points to Partners
To transfer your American Express Membership Rewards points to airline and hotel partners, follow these steps:
Step One: Log into American Express
Log in to your American Express Membership Rewards account Access the American Express Membership Rewards portal using your desktop computer and log in with your credentials.
If you have multiple American Express cards that earn Membership Rewards points, such as American Express Platinum Card® or the American Express® Gold Card, select any one of them. All the points you earn across your Amex cards are automatically combined.
Step Two: Select Transfer Points
Navigate to the “Transfer Points” section In the blue navigation bar at the top of the page, hover over “Earn and Redeem” and then click on “Transfer Points” from the drop-down menu.
Step Three: Choose Your Transfer Partner
Choose the airline loyalty program you want to transfer points to by selecting the airline or hotel loyalty program you wish to transfer your points to. Upon clicking on an airline or hotel, you will see the terms of the transfer, including the transfer ratio, processing time, and any other relevant details or requirements.
If this is your first time transferring points to a particular loyalty program, you will need to enter your account number for that program. I suggest that you create accounts with your desired loyalty programs in advance. Some programs may delay transfers for new loyalty accounts. I recommend using a free password manager such as Bitwarden to help you keep track of all your login and passwords.
Step Four: Transfer Your Points
Initiate the points transfer After linking your American Express account to your chosen loyalty program, or if you have previously transferred Amex points to that airline, you can specify the number of points you want to transfer.
Click the “Review Transfer” button to proceed. You will be asked to confirm that all the details are correct. Once you have verified the information, click “Submit Transfer” to complete the process.
Which Cards Earn Amex Membership Rewards Points
American Express offers several cards that earn Membership Rewards:
- American Express Platinum Card®: Best for airport lounge access.
- American Express® Gold Card: Best for spending at restaurants and US supermarkets.
- The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express: Best for everyday spending.
- The Business Platinum Card® from American Express: Best business card for airport lounge access.
- American Express® Green Card: Best for general travel.
- Amex EveryDay® Preferred: Not recommended.
- Amex EveryDay® Credit Card: Not recommended.
Amex Transfer Partners Ranked
With so many transfer partners, it is hard to know which partner to transfer to. Here are my recommendations from the best to worst transfer partners.
1. All Nippon Airways (ANA) Mileage Club
ANA Mileage Club remains a top-tier program for international travel, especially for premium cabin redemptions, even with its updated award chart. The program’s sweet spots continue to offer exceptional value for travelers seeking luxury experiences at reasonable mileage costs.
A standout option is the round-trip business class award from the United States to Europe for 110,000 miles. This competitive rate, coupled with ANA’s generous stopover policy, allows travelers to explore multiple European destinations on a single ticket, maximizing the value of their miles.
For those eyeing a trip to Japan, ANA’s new rates starting at 110,000 miles for round-trip business class still represent excellent value. This pricing, combined with adding a free stopover, enables travelers to experience Tokyo and another Japanese city without additional mileage costs.
Another attractive option is to fly to Australia in business class for 145,000 miles round-trip. Given the long-haul nature of these routes, the comfort of a premium cabin makes this redemption particularly appealing.
The Middle East also presents a compelling use of ANA miles, with business class available for 130,000 miles and first class for 210,000 miles round-trip. These rates open up opportunities to experience some of the world’s most luxurious airline products at reasonable mileage costs.
ANA’s round-the-world tickets continue to be a unique and valuable offering, allowing extensive global exploration on a single award. While the specific pricing for these tickets may have changed, they likely still represent one of the best uses of miles for those planning multi-stop international journeys.
To make the most of these redemptions, travelers should leverage ANA’s stopover and open-jaw policies, potentially combining multiple destinations or regions into a single trip. Additionally, choosing Star Alliance partners that don’t impose high fuel surcharges can help keep out-of-pocket costs low.
2. Iberia Plus
Iberia Plus Avios offers exceptional value, particularly for transatlantic flights on Iberia flights. The program’s distance-based award chart provides some of the best redemption rates for business-class travel to Europe, especially during off-peak periods. For instance, you can book one-way business class flights from East Coast cities like Boston, Chicago, or New York to Madrid for just 34,000 Avios during off-peak times. The program also shines for short-haul redemptions, with competitive pricing for both economy and business class on shorter routes. Iberia’s partnerships within the oneworld alliance expand your options, allowing redemptions on carriers like American Airlines, British Airways, and Qatar Airways. A standout feature of Iberia Plus is its low carrier-imposed surcharges on award tickets, particularly compared to some partner programs. This can result in significant savings on long-haul premium cabin awards. For maximum flexibility, Iberia Plus participates in the wider Avios ecosystem. This means you can transfer Avios between Iberia, British Airways Executive Club, Aer Lingus AerClub, and Qatar Airways Privilege Club, often at a 1:1 ratio. This feature allows you to leverage sweet spots across multiple programs. While partner airline redemptions through Iberia Plus are possible, they may not always offer the best value. It’s often worth comparing rates with other oneworld programs to ensure you’re getting the most from your Avios.
3. Air Canada Aeroplan
Air Canada’s Aeroplan program offers exceptional value for travelers looking to maximize their points. With over 45 airline partners, including Star Alliance members and unique carriers like Oman Air and Gulf Air, Aeroplan provides access to an extensive global network. The program’s distance-based award chart allows for creative routing possibilities, often at competitive rates compared to other frequent flyer programs. One standout feature is Aeroplan’s generous stopover policy. For just 5,000 additional points, you can add a stopover on one-way awards (excluding travel within North America). This allows you to visit multiple destinations on a single ticket, significantly increasing the value of your points. Combined with Aeroplan’s flexible routing rules, you can craft some impressive itineraries, such as flying from the US to Asia with a European stopover. Redemption sweet spots include short-haul economy flights within North America starting at just 6,000 points, and long-haul business class awards to Europe from 60,000 points. The program also shines for premium cabin redemptions to Asia, with business class awards starting at 55,000 points. Aeroplan points are easy to accumulate, thanks to partnerships with major transferable points programs like American Express Membership Rewards and Chase Ultimate Rewards. The Aeroplan Credit Card also provides a valuable way to earn points directly. When booking, use Air Canada’s website to search for and book most awards. For more complex itineraries, you may need to call, but agents are generally accommodating of creative routings. While change and cancellation fees can be steep, the program’s overall flexibility and extensive partner network make Aeroplan an excellent choice for travelers seeking to maximize their points’ value.
4. Air France - KLM Flying Blue
Flying Blue, the loyalty program of Air France, KLM, and several partner airlines, offers travelers numerous opportunities to maximize their miles. With a wide network of airline partners and easy earning options through major credit card transfer programs, Flying Blue provides excellent value for award redemptions. One of the best ways to use Flying Blue miles is through Promo Rewards, which offer discounts of up to 50% off standard award rates on select routes each month. These can yield incredible deals, such as business class flights between the U.S. and Europe for under 40,000 miles one-way. For standard redemptions, Flying Blue uses dynamic pricing but generally offers competitive rates. Flights from the U.S. to Europe start at 20,000 miles in economy, 35,000 in premium economy, and 50,000 in business class. These rates apply to destinations throughout Europe, including connecting flights, making it an excellent option for reaching various European cities. A unique sweet spot is that Flying Blue prices flights to North Africa the same as Europe, allowing travelers to visit destinations like Morocco or Tunisia for the same mileage as a European trip. The program also offers good value for flights to Hawaii on Delta, starting at 35,000 miles round-trip from the contiguous U.S. For those looking to explore beyond Europe, Flying Blue partners with airlines like Japan Airlines and Etihad Airways, opening up possibilities in Asia and the Middle East. The program also has an extensive network in Africa through partnerships with Kenya Airways and Air Mauritius, providing access to destinations that can be expensive when paying cash. While Flying Blue does impose fuel surcharges on some awards, they are generally moderate compared to other programs. Flexibility in travel dates and destinations is key to finding the best value, especially given the program’s dynamic pricing model.
5. Avianca LifeMiles
Avianca LifeMiles offers exceptional value for Star Alliance award redemptions, particularly for premium cabin travel. The program stands out for its competitive rates and absence of carrier-imposed surcharges, making it an attractive option for savvy travelers.
One of LifeMiles’ strongest suits is its pricing for long-haul business and first-class flights. For instance, you can book Lufthansa first class from the US to Europe for just 87,000 miles one-way, significantly less than what other programs charge. Business class to Europe is also competitively priced at 60,000-63,000 miles.
The program shines in other regions too. Flights to Asia offer great value, with business class from the US priced at 75,000 miles. A notable sweet spot is the Honolulu to Tokyo route, available for only 48,000 miles in business class or 66,000 miles in first class.
LifeMiles employs a unique pricing structure for mixed-cabin awards, potentially resulting in lower overall costs. This can be advantageous when booking long-haul premium cabins with economy connections.
While LifeMiles excels in many areas, it’s worth noting that the program has some limitations. Complex itineraries can be challenging to book, and award availability may sometimes differ from other Star Alliance programs. However, for simple point-to-point travel, especially across the Atlantic, LifeMiles often provides unbeatable value.
To maximize the program’s benefits, consider subscribing to LifeMiles+, which offers perks like waived change and cancellation fees, as well as mileage rebates on redemptions. With its competitive pricing and minimal fees, Avianca LifeMiles remains a top choice for Star Alliance award travel.
6. Qatar Airways Privilege Club
Qatar Airways Privilege Club Avios offer a versatile and valuable currency for frequent flyers. One of the program’s key strengths is its access to Qatar Airways’ renowned Qsuite business class, often considered among the best in the industry. Privilege Club members enjoy enhanced award availability on Qatar Airways flights compared to partner programs, making it easier to secure premium cabin seats.
For international travel, Privilege Club Avios can provide excellent value. Business class awards from the U.S. to the Middle East start at 70,000 Avios one-way, while flights to India are available from 80,000 Avios. These rates are competitive, especially considering the quality of Qatar’s onboard product.
Beyond Qatar Airways flights, Privilege Club offers unique redemption opportunities. Members can book awards on JetBlue, including its highly-rated Mint business class, with transatlantic flights priced from 78,000 Avios. The program also partners with airlines like Bangkok Airways, LATAM, and RwandAir, providing access to routes and regions not covered by other major alliances.
For oneworld alliance flights, Qatar Airways uses a distance-based award chart. While the online booking process for partner airlines can be less smooth than some competitors, patient travelers may find good value, especially on shorter routes starting at just 6,000 Avios.
Overall, Qatar Airways Privilege Club Avios shine brightest for luxury-minded travelers seeking premium cabin experiences on Qatar Airways and its unique partners. The program’s flexibility and competitive pricing on long-haul routes make it a strong option for international travelers.
7. Cathay Pacific Asia Miles
Cathay Pacific’s Asia Miles program offers valuable opportunities for premium cabin travel, particularly on Cathay Pacific’s own flights. The program uses a distance-based award chart for Cathay Pacific flights, with pricing varying based on the length of your journey. For example, ultra-short business class flights within Asia start at just 16,000 miles, while longer routes like Hong Kong to the US east coast cost 110,000 miles in business class or 160,000 miles in first class.
The key advantage of Asia Miles is access to significantly more premium cabin award space on Cathay Pacific compared to partner programs. While availability isn’t abundant, it’s notably better than what’s offered to partners, especially for business class within Asia and long-haul routes to the Middle East, Europe, and Australia.
Asia Miles also partners with several major transferable points currencies, making it easy to accumulate miles. The program allows one stopover on round-trip awards, adding flexibility to your travels. When booking partner airlines, Asia Miles can offer good value on certain routes, particularly for British Airways flights, where fuel surcharges are lower than booking through other programs.
For extensive travelers, the oneworld multi-carrier award chart provides opportunities for round-the-world trips with up to five stopovers. While Asia Miles has some limitations, such as redemption nominee restrictions and change fees, it remains a crucial program for accessing Cathay Pacific’s renowned premium cabins
8. Etihad Guest
Etihad Guest offers a unique opportunity for travelers seeking premium experiences on Etihad Airways. The program’s main advantage lies in its exclusive access to first and business class award seats more than 30 days in advance, making it invaluable for those planning luxury trips well ahead of time.
Redeeming Etihad Guest miles for Etihad flights is straightforward, with a distance-based award chart. For example, a one-way business class flight over 6,001 miles (covering most routes to/from the United States) costs 120,000 miles, while first class requires 160,000 miles. Shorter routes, like Abu Dhabi to Europe or Southeast Asia, start at 70,000 miles for business and 120,000 miles for first class.
While these rates aren’t the lowest in the industry, they provide guaranteed access to Etihad’s renowned premium cabins, including the luxurious A380 first class apartments. It’s worth noting that carrier-imposed surcharges apply, which can be substantial.
For partner airline redemptions, Etihad Guest uses a unified distance-based chart. However, due to higher redemption rates and surcharges, partner awards often offer less value compared to booking through other programs.
Etihad Guest miles are easily obtainable through transfers from major credit card reward programs, making it accessible for many travelers. Keep in mind the program’s strict expiration policy and high cancellation fees when planning your redemptions.
9. Virgin Atlantic Flying Club
Virgin Atlantic Flying Club offers several good redemption options for travelers. The program’s strengths lie in its partnerships with airlines like All Nippon Airways (ANA), Delta Air Lines, and Air France-KLM, as well as its membership in the SkyTeam alliance. One standout redemption is for ANA flights, where you can book business class between the US or Europe and Japan for just 45,000-47,500 points one-way. First class on the same routes is available for 72,500-85,000 points. These rates are exceptionally competitive, though award availability can be limited. For Delta flights, Flying Club offers excellent value on transatlantic routes, with business class awards to Europe (excluding the UK) priced at 50,000 points one-way. Short and medium-haul Delta flights within North America can also be booked at attractive rates starting from 7,500 points. Air France-KLM redemptions through Flying Club can offer significant savings compared to booking directly through Flying Blue, especially for short-haul European flights and off-peak long-haul routes. The program also has a unique partnership with Air New Zealand, allowing members to book transpacific business class for just 62,500 points one-way – a fantastic deal if you can find availability. For other SkyTeam partners, Flying Club uses a distance-based chart that can provide good value, particularly for premium cabin bookings on airlines like Korean Air or China Airlines. While redemptions on Virgin Atlantic’s own flights come with high surcharges, the program’s diverse partnerships and competitive award rates make it a valuable option for international travel.
10. Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer
Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer miles offer good value, particularly for luxury travel experiences. The program’s crown jewel is redeeming for Singapore Airlines’ renowned Suites Class and first class, which are largely restricted to KrisFlyer members. While no longer available on U.S. routes, you can still book Suites on international flights like Singapore to London for 141,000 miles one-way. For U.S. travelers, attractive options include business class from the West Coast to Singapore from 107,000 miles, or first class from Los Angeles to Tokyo for 120,500 miles. Flights to Europe are also competitive, with business class from New York to Frankfurt available for 81,000 miles. KrisFlyer miles can be used on Star Alliance partners and other airlines like Alaska and Virgin Australia. Some good deals include United domestic business class from 26,000 miles, or flights within the South Pacific from just 13,500 miles. The program allows one free stopover on round-trip Saver awards, with additional stopovers available for a fee. Keep in mind that KrisFlyer miles expire after 36 months regardless of account activity. When redeeming, you can choose between lower-priced Saver awards with more limited availability, or pricier Advantage awards offering more options. Change and cancellation fees are relatively low, making the program flexible for travelers with uncertain plans.
11. British Airways Executive Club
British Airways Executive Club offers some of the most versatile and valuable frequent flyer rewards through its Avios points currency. Avios can be redeemed for flights on British Airways and its oneworld alliance partners, including American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Japan Airlines, and more. One of the best uses of Avios is for short-haul flights, particularly within North America. Flights under 1,150 miles on American or Alaska Airlines cost just 11,000 Avios one-way in economy. This can provide excellent value for domestic U.S. trips or flights to nearby international destinations like the Caribbean. For long-haul international flights, Avios can unlock premium cabin experiences on top airlines. You can book Cathay Pacific business class from Hong Kong to Taipei for 20,800 Avios, or fly Qatar Airways’ renowned Qsuites between the U.S. and Doha for 70,000 Avios. Avios are also great for accessing exclusive airport lounges, like Cathay Pacific’s The Wing in Hong Kong or the Qantas First Lounge in Sydney. The program uses distance-based award pricing, so nonstop flights typically offer the best value. Avios can also be combined between British Airways, Iberia, and Qatar Airways accounts. Overall, British Airways Avios provide excellent flexibility and value for both short trips and aspirational long-haul awards when used strategically.
12. Aer Lingus AerClub
Aer Lingus AerClub Avios offers excellent value for transatlantic flights, particularly from the East Coast of North America to Ireland. One of the best redemptions is off-peak economy flights from cities like Boston, New York, or Toronto to Dublin for just 13,000 Avios one-way with minimal fees. Even flights from the West Coast require only 16,250 Avios off-peak. Business class redemptions are also competitive, starting at 50,000 Avios from the East Coast. AerClub uses a distance-based award chart with peak and off-peak pricing. Most of the year is considered off-peak, except for summer months and some holiday periods. This creates opportunities for great deals during shoulder seasons. Beyond just flying to Ireland, you can add connections to other European destinations for minimal additional Avios. Short-haul flights within Europe start at just 4,000 Avios one-way. While AerClub has limited partner airlines for redemptions, you can easily transfer Avios between British Airways Executive Club and Iberia Plus to access more options. Always compare pricing across the Avios programs, as AerClub sometimes offers the best rates on Aer Lingus flights. To maximize value, focus on off-peak dates, take advantage of the generous distance bands, and look for opportunities to add connections in Europe for minimal extra cost. With some flexibility, AerClub Avios can provide exceptional value for transatlantic travel.
13. Qantas Frequent Flyer
Qantas Frequent Flyer points offer valuable redemption opportunities across the Oneworld alliance and other airline partners. For maximum value, focus on using points for premium cabin awards on Qantas and partner airlines.
Some top redemptions include Qantas first class, where members get early access to award space 353 days out. This provides a significant advantage in securing these coveted seats. Business class awards on partners like Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Cathay Pacific can also offer excellent value.
For shorter trips, economy awards on American Airlines within North America can be a good deal. The program’s distance-based award chart means flights under 600 miles cost just 8,000 points each way.
When redeeming for long-haul flights, consider options like East Coast U.S. to Europe on American Airlines from 40,600 points round-trip in economy. Or fly from Australia to Asia on partners like Cathay Pacific from just 60,400 points round-trip.
For the ultimate adventure, book a Oneworld round-the-world award visiting up to 5 cities for 132,400 points in economy or 318,000 in business class. This allows you to experience multiple premium products on a single ticket.
While fuel surcharges apply on some partners, strategic routing can help minimize out-of-pocket costs. Overall, Qantas points provide good flexibility for flights on Oneworld airlines and other partners like Emirates, offering solid value for both short hops and long-haul premium cabin awards.
14. Emirates Skywards
Emirates Skywards offers a range of valuable redemption options, particularly for flying Emirates’ renowned first and business class products. The program’s sweet spots include flights from the U.S. to Dubai and beyond, with round-trip business class awards starting at 145,000 miles from the East Coast. Emirates’ fifth-freedom routes between New York and Europe also present good value, with business class available from 90,000 miles round-trip. Partner redemptions can yield excellent value too. Korean Air Prestige Class to Seoul is a standout at just 105,000 miles round-trip from North America. For domestic travel, JetBlue and Alaska Airlines partnerships offer distance-based award charts with competitive rates on shorter flights. When booking Emirates-operated flights, consider the three award tiers: Saver (economy and business), Flex (first class), and Flex Plus (all cabins). Saver awards offer the best value but have limited availability. First-class awards are only available at Flex or Flex Plus rates. To find award space, use Emirates’ website or ExpertFlyer. Some partner bookings may require calling Emirates. Remember that Skywards miles expire three years after earning, at the end of your birth month, so plan redemptions accordingly. While Emirates offers non-flight redemptions like hotels and merchandise, these typically provide poor value. For maximum benefit, focus on using Skywards miles for premium cabin flights on Emirates and select partners.
15. Hawaiian Airlines HawaiianMiles
Hawaiian Airlines has transitioned from a fixed award chart to dynamic award pricing, following the trend set by other airlines. However, Hawaiian’s dynamic pricing is not as extreme as some of its competitors, and the airline has published a range of expected award prices for transparency.
Economy awards on peak travel dates may see significant price increases, but off-peak dates generally have ample availability at the lowest rate of 20,000 miles each way on many routes, such as between Los Angeles (LAX) and Honolulu (HNL).
First-class award pricing is more variable, with some dates pricing at the highest end of the range at 80,000 miles each way. However, it is still possible to find first-class tickets for as low as 40,000 miles, particularly from the West Coast. Interestingly, due to dynamic pricing, first-class tickets may sometimes be cheaper than economy on certain days.
In addition to using Hawaiian Airlines miles, travelers can also book Hawaiian-operated flights through partner airline programs. These include Korean Air’s SkyPass program, Virgin Atlantic’s Flying Club program, and JetBlue’s TrueBlue program. Each partner has its own award chart and redemption rules, offering various sweet spots for award travel on Hawaiian Airlines.
16. Aeromexico Club Premier (1 to 1.6 Transfer Ratio)
Aeromexico Rewards offers some options for travelers, though the program has its limitations. The SkyTeam Go Round the World Pass can provide value for those planning extensive multi-stop journeys, with prices starting at 224,000 Premier Points in economy or 352,000 points in business class.
The program offers reasonable rates for flights to Southeast Asia, with one-way business class tickets available for 128,000 Premier Points to destinations like Singapore, Cambodia, or Thailand. European routes are priced at 110,000 Premier Points for one-way business class awards to cities such as Athens or Warsaw.
Domestic U.S. flights on Delta can be booked for 20,000 Premier Points one-way in economy. Aeromexico allows a free stopover on round-trip international itineraries, which can be useful for visiting two destinations on one ticket.
However, Aeromexico Rewards lacks significant sweet spots in its award chart, and many redemptions are priced similarly to other airlines’ programs. It’s worth noting that Aeromexico’s website can be difficult to navigate, and you may need to call to book partner awards. Additionally, fuel surcharges are passed on for all flights, which can increase the cost of your award tickets.
17. Delta SkyMiles
Delta SkyMiles offers a variety of ways to redeem your hard-earned miles for travel. One of the most straightforward options is booking Delta-operated flights, where award pricing is dynamic. This means flexibility in your travel dates can often lead to better value. Keep an eye out for SkyMiles deals, which can offer significant savings on specific routes. For international travel, Delta’s extensive partner network opens up a world of possibilities. As a member of the SkyTeam alliance, Delta allows you to redeem miles on 18 partner airlines, including Air France, KLM, and Korean Air. Additionally, non-alliance partners like WestJet provide more options, especially for travel to Canada. Partner awards often provide better value than Delta-operated flights, particularly for premium cabin travel. For example, business class flights from the U.S. to Mexico or within Asia can be excellent uses of SkyMiles. However, it’s important to note that partner award availability can be limited, so booking in advance is recommended. Another option is using miles for upgrades on Delta and select partner flights. While this typically provides lower value than booking award flights outright, it can be a good choice if you have a surplus of miles. Delta Vacations presents another redemption opportunity, often yielding at least 1.15 cents per mile in value. This can be particularly appealing for package deals including flights and luxury hotel stays. Remember, award prices can change without notice, so it’s always wise to book when you find a good deal. With some strategic planning, Delta SkyMiles can be a valuable currency for your travel needs.
18. JetBlue TrueBlue (1.25 to 1 Transfer Ratio)
JetBlue TrueBlue offers a straightforward rewards program with flexible redemption options. Members can redeem points for any seat on JetBlue flights, with no blackout dates. The program uses a revenue-based model, typically offering solid value for economy bookings. In fact, our analysis shows that TrueBlue points are worth approximately 1.31 cents each when redeemed for economy flights. This value proposition makes TrueBlue points particularly attractive for budget-conscious travelers. For those seeking premium travel experiences, TrueBlue points can be used for JetBlue’s Mint business class, though the redemption value is generally lower, averaging about 1.1 cents per point. Despite this lower redemption rate, the program truly shines with its partnership redemptions, particularly with Qatar Airways. Members can book Qatar Airways flights directly through JetBlue’s website, often securing excellent value for long-haul business class travel. Another notable partner is Hawaiian Airlines, offering opportunities for inter-island hops and flights between Hawaii and the U.S. mainland. These redemptions can provide good value, especially during peak travel periods when cash fares are high. TrueBlue’s user-friendly features include points that never expire and fee-free changes or cancellations on award bookings. This flexibility allows members to book with confidence, knowing they can adjust their plans if needed. While JetBlue doesn’t belong to a major airline alliance, its partnerships with Qatar Airways and Hawaiian Airlines expand redemption options beyond JetBlue’s network. This combination of simplicity, flexibility, and strategic partnerships makes TrueBlue an appealing program for both casual and frequent travelers, offering consistent value for economy redemptions and unique opportunities for premium travel experiences.
19. Hilton Honors (1 to 2 Transfer Ratio)
Hilton Honors points offer flexibility and value for travelers, with over 7,500 properties worldwide available for redemption. While the program uses dynamic pricing instead of a fixed award chart, members can still find excellent deals, especially during peak travel periods. The best way to use Hilton points is typically for hotel stays, where we found during our data study that you should get, on average, about 0.51 cents per point in value. To maximize your redemptions, search for properties within your point budget during your desired travel dates. Elite members benefit from a fifth night free on award stays, stretching points even further. For those short on points, the Points & Money option allows for customizable combinations of cash and points. Hilton also offers premium room awards, letting you book suites or rooms with better amenities using points. This can be particularly useful for families or those desiring extra space. Beyond hotel stays, Hilton points can be redeemed for unique experiences through Hilton Honors Experiences, including exclusive events and activities. While other redemption options exist, such as transferring to airlines, using points for Amazon purchases, or booking car rentals, these typically offer lower value. Focus on hotel stays and experiences to get the most from your Hilton Honors points. With strategic planning, you can turn your points into memorable stays at properties ranging from budget-friendly options to luxury resorts worldwide.
20. Marriott Bonvoy
Marriott Bonvoy points offer versatile redemption options, with hotel stays typically providing the best value. We value Marriott points at 0.82 cents per point based on our data study, but you can get the best value at luxury properties or during peak seasons. The program’s dynamic pricing model means rates fluctuate, so flexibility in your travel dates can help maximize value. A standout feature is the fifth night free on award stays, effectively giving you a 20% discount on longer bookings. This benefit applies to consecutive award nights and can significantly stretch your points. Marriott also offers Cash + Points options, allowing you to combine cash and points for more flexibility. Transferring Bonvoy points to airline partners is another valuable option. With a 3:1 transfer ratio for most airlines and a 5,000-mile bonus for every 60,000 points transferred, this can be an excellent way to top up airline accounts or access niche programs. However, transfer times vary, so plan accordingly. For unique experiences, consider Marriott Bonvoy Moments. These exclusive events and activities, often unavailable for cash purchase, can provide memorable opportunities for point redemptions. While Marriott allows point redemptions for flights, car rentals, and cruises, these typically offer lower value compared to hotel stays or airline transfers. Unless you have a specific need or excess points, it’s generally best to avoid these options.
21. Choice Privileges
Choice Privileges points offer versatile redemption options, with hotel stays typically providing the best value. Members can book reward nights at Choice properties worldwide, starting from 8,000 points per night. The program’s flexibility allows booking various room types, including apartments and suites, often at competitive rates.
Choice points can be used for stays at partner brands like Bluegreen Vacations, casino hotels, and all-inclusive resorts in Mexico and the Dominican Republic. This expands the range of accommodation options available to members, from family-friendly resorts to exciting casino destinations.
For those short on points, the points plus cash option allows bookings with as few as 6,000 points. Choice also partners with Preferred Hotels & Resorts, enabling members to book luxury stays for 20,000 to 87,000 points per night.
Beyond hotel stays, Choice points can be transferred to various airline loyalty programs, including major carriers like United, British Airways, and Air France-KLM. While not always the best value, points can also be redeemed for gift cards, cruise credits, or unique experiences like college sports events and NASCAR tickets.
The Verdict
American Express Membership Rewards transfer partners provide cardholders with a powerful way to maximize the value of their points.
By transferring points to airline and hotel loyalty programs, savvy travelers can unlock high-value redemptions for premium cabin flights and luxury hotel stays that would otherwise be prohibitively expensive.
With 18 airline and three hotel transfer partners across the globe, Amex offers a diverse array of options to suit different travel preferences and destinations. Although the value of transferred points can vary depending on the specific redemption, strategic transfers to partners often yield the highest return on Membership Rewards points.
By familiarizing yourself with the transfer ratios, redemption sweet spots, and best practices for each partner program, you can turn your hard-earned Membership Rewards points into unforgettable travel experiences.
